Q and A’s with thanks and recognition from

B.T.I.B.

Business Trade Investment Board

Question: I want to purchase an existing business. What do I need to do?

To purchase an existing business you will need to apply for registration as a foreign investor through our BTIB Office. There is an application process that you must follow. Please note that some existing businesses that are for sale in the Cook Islands may fall within our Reserve Area of Investment. Please refer to our “Rules of Investment” page to review the Investment Code Order 2003 Parts D and E.

Where the business is in the Reserve Area of Investment, please ensure that the vendor provides evidence that the business for sale has been advertised for at least 30 days in the local media and that no Cook Islander have offered to buy this business. Go to our Forms & Reporting section and complete the required documents under Foreign Enterprise Registration for Foreign Direct Investment.

Question: Can I send my application and documents as a soft copy?

Yes you can. File the original signed application form and original supporting documents, issued within 3 months of it being lodged. If you are overseas you may also forward to us soft copies of the application for our processing. The original documents must be received before your application is tabled for consideration by the Board.

Question: How much is the minimum investment required in the Cook Islands?

An investment below NZ$300,000.00 may be below the desired value of investment. However, where the proposed investment allows for new innovations or technology, development of niche market or niche products lower capital investment may be allowed. However, an investment of NZ$1 million or more on Rarotonga and NZ$500,000 or more in Aitutaki, will allow you to invest in the Reserve Area listed in Part D of the Investment Code.

Question: Can I prepare my own application?

Yes, you can however, it depends on the type of business activity you are proposing. You may need specialist or professional advice before lodging your application. For example, if you intend to buy a property as part of the business, we encourage you to engage local lawyers to handle the transaction and application. Contact our Foreign Investment team for more information.

Question: I want to start a business in the Cook Islands. How do I apply to become an Investor?

If you are a non-Cook Islander we have an application process that you will need to follow. You must complete our form AF1001A (Foreign Investment Registration) and provide the documents listed in our Foreign Investment Checklist. Lodge your completed application at our Office in Avarua, Rarotonga.

Question: How can I live in the Cook Islands?

One way of living in the Cook Islands is to Invest, by establishing a business or purchasing an existing one. You must determine what business you want to invest in before you apply to the Business Trade Investment Board (‘’BTIB’’) for registration to carry on business.

You can also apply directly with the Immigration Department for the Retiree Scheme; however this is only available for New Zealand passport holders. Otherwise, you may apply for a residence permit. For more information visit the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Immigration website www.mfai.gov.ck

Question: Can I apply to become an investor while I am on holiday in the Cook Islands?

Yes, you are able to apply while on holiday however, note that the supporting documents needed must be from your country of residence. You must lodge your application to our office located in Avarua, Rarotonga at the BTIB office. Please ensure your application is fully completed and signed with the supporting documents listed on our checklist.

Question: What areas can I invest in?

The priority areas of investment are in tourism, agriculture and marine. The Cook Islands economy is based predominantly on tourism. However, investment into agriculture and marine will allow for greater diversification of the economy and increase import substitution.

Question: What fee’s do I have to pay?

NZ$750.00 is the standard fee. The fee must accompany your application in order for it to be considered. This fee is non refundable. You will also be required to pay your immigration and health assessment fee once you are approved.

Question: How long does it take to process an application?

We require at least 30 days to process your application. When an application is received it is assessed against the Investment Code and then tabled for consideration by the BTIB Board. If the supporting documents are not in order or further documents are required, you will be required to provide this before the application is tabled.

Question: I want to start a business in the Cook Islands. How do I apply to become an Investor?

If you are a non-Cook Islander we have an application process that you will need to follow. You must complete our form AF1001A (Foreign Investment Registration) and provide the documents listed in our Foreign Investment Checklist. Lodge your completed application at our BTIB Office in Avarua, Rarotonga.

Question: Once I am approved as an investor what do I do next?

Once you are approved, you will be required to lodge your passport together with your Police clearance and Health documents with the Department of Immigration. You will also need to register your Company with the Ministry of Justice if appropriate and register for tax purposes with the Revenue Management Department. These 3 Agencies will be copied the approval letter sent out to the applicant following the BTIB Board’s decision.

We encourage investors to take part in community activities as part of living in the Cook Islands